Excessive stretching or a tear (partial or complete) of the ligament that supports the front of the knee.
It is caused by a hard blow, hyperextension, or forced movement, such as during sports.
You may occasionally hear a "crunching" sound as the ligament fibres tear, followed by inflammation of the knee and pain, which increases with weight bearing. If it is mild, you will notice that it is unstable or 'loose'.
The diagnosis is based on your medical history and a physical examination. An x-ray may be taken as a complementary test.
Initially, it is important to rest, use crutches, elevate the leg, put ice on it for two days and take anti-inflammatory medication. You will then undergo rehabilitation and, if the traumatologist recommends it, you will be referred for surgery.
- Ryan P Friedberg. Anterior cruciate ligament injury. UpToDate. Sep 16, 2016.
- Gordon MD, Steiner ME. Anterior cruciate ligament injuries. In: Orthopaedic Knowledge Update Sports Medicine III, Garrick JG. (Ed), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont 2004. p.169.
- Prodromos CC, Han Y, Rogowski J, et al. A meta-analysis of the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament tears as a function of gender, sport, and a knee injury-reduction regimen. Arthroscopy 2007; 23:1320.
- Risberg MA, Oiestad BE, Gunderson R, et al. Changes in Knee Osteoarthritis, Symptoms, and Function After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A 20-Year Prospective Follow-up Study. Am J Sports Med 2016; 44:1215.
- Laredo R. Polo F, delgado V, Caldevilla D. Fracturas, luxaciones y esguinces. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010: 1056-1057.
